Spot The Differences In The Bulldog Breeds.

With so many variations of Bulldogs and Bulldog names it’s a wonder anyone can even tell the difference. A few of the breeds we’re about to discuss aren’t actually accepted or recognized by the American Kennel Club. One in this article is not accepted by the AKC and isn’t even technically……well, maybe “real” is the word I’m looking for?

Now, don’t get me wrong; this article is not meant as a “knock” to any of these breeds. I don’t mean to proclaim that one breed is better than the other; the goal is simply to address the different physical and temperamental traits existant in the Bulldog breeds. For instance, if you’ve found yourself a little perplexed considering the Olde English and English Bulldog please read on!

Bulldog

The Bulldog is often referred to as the dog with “a face only a mother could love”. Yes, Bulldog(aka british bulldog) is the actual name recognized by the AKC although I’ll admit it’s obviously way more fun to say “English” Bulldog so we’ll call him just that throughout the remainder of this article. The English Bulldog is known for his huge head, rose bud ears, short and stalky build and deep wrinkles canvasing his body, especially the face.

Bullies usually weigh in at between 45 to 60 pounds. If he’s got much of a neck at all, he probably looks a little, “off” as the head should connect almost directly to the body. Wide in front and more narrow towards the rear, a Bulldog possesses a commanding stance, but don’t be fooled; he’s a “gentle giant”. What a cute little corkscrew tail the Bulldog often has. Sometimes the tail can be straight and this is acceptable, but it should be very short.

Bulldog

Take a look at that muzzle. Immediately you notice it doesn’t protrude from his face much at all. There should be almost no snout; he’s a stunning “smush face”. Big boned is how he should look. The arms are short from body to paw and very meaty. The English Bulldog’s paws are huge and preferably are about as thick as the arms. Oh, and about his demeanor; a well tempered English Bulldog will love to play, although he doesn’t last too long before “shorting out”.

These are non-sporting dogs. You won’t see a whole lot of running or jumping in comparison to other, more agile breeds. As stated before, he’s as gentle as a mouse and desires above all else to lay at the feet- more preferably the lap- of his owner and snore the day away.

Mini Bulldogs

This one sounds fun doesn’t it?! A Miniature Bulldog, or “pocket bulldog”, is said to be a hybrid of a Pug and an English Bulldog. Actually, depending on who you’re talking to this breed comes into existence by cross breeding a few different combinations of dogs together. Some breeders claim they have the one and only recipe for the Mini Bulldog and they won’t share it with anyone. Others say they get a Mini by simply breeding only their Bulldogs that are smaller than a typical size Bully. When they get two smaller than average Bulldogs they breed them and it’s then hoped that those “small genes” are carried on to the puppies, although that can’t be guaranteed. Voila; you’ve got Minis!

Mini Bulldog?

Most breeders can supply registration papers for their mini bulldogs, but it is important to understand that the papers will actually have “English Bulldog” listed as the breed. The miniature Bulldog is not recognized by the AKC and therefore doesn’t have a list of acceptable, physical attributes that have been “set in stone”. A typical Mini Bulldog is a small, compact dog about the size of a Pug with a snout that only slightly protrudes away from the face. They usually weigh around 20 lbs.

Miniature Bulldogs are said to be quite friendly and to make good family pets. As previously mentioned, because Mini Bulldogs cannot be AKC registered and there is no AKC Standard to follow, it’s really up to each individual breeder to define the acceptable physical traits and temperament of a Mini. As with any puppy purchase; request to see the parents, get a health certificate and ask the breeder what it is that makes the puppy a “Mini” Bulldog. Technically there is no such thing as a “Mini” Bulldog. Nonetheless we found a breeder(we can’t vouch for them) that looks to have some cool “minis”.

French Bulldog

French Bulldog

“Frenchies” are Super Cute!! Ok, I admit, that statement can’t be tested or proven, and it certainly isn’t very technical, but in my most humble opinion it’s most definitely true. Sort of a “small cousin” of the English Bulldog, the French Bulldog and the English Bulldog have a ton in common.

Really, besides their obvious difference in weight and height the only things that “stand out” on the frenchie are his extremely perky ears. These things reach straight for the stars let me tell ya. You’ll still see quite a few wrinkles although not quite as much as the English Bulldog. French Bulldogs also tend to be more wide in the front and narrow in the rear like the English Bulldog.

Again, physically, there are some similarities with the typical Bulldog, but Frenchies are much more compact dogs and tend to way 18 to 30 pounds. With their short face and stalky bodies they won’t be running any marathons, but they are able to stay active for longer periods of time than an English Bulldog. Frenchies are very docile and make an exceptional family pet.

Olde English Bulldogs

Olde English Bulldog

This breed is very commonly confused with the English Bulldog. I once took a call from a poor woman who’s Husband bought her one for her birthday all the while thinking he was purchasing an English Bulldog. He learned the difference between these two breeds the hard way; poor guy probably spent the night on the couch. One thing’s for sure; as puppies, English Bulldogs and Olde English Bulldogs can look exactly alike except for a few small differences like a longer body and more narrow heads. Please do lots of research regardless of what breed you’re interested in so you know what you’re looking for.

The Olde English Bulldog is sort an attempt at the “original recipe” if you will. You know, the first Bulldogs from the 1800’s. He was created in 1970 in an effort to reproduce a dog that was first bred to fight bulls. Dogs fighting bulls! Can you picture that!? This activity was called Bull baiting and was eventually outlawed due to the obvious inhumane practices in the “sport”.

When looking at an Olde English Bulldog you should instantly notice they’re much taller than a standard English Bulldog and usually not too wrinkly at all in comparison. He can weigh as much as 100 lbs in fact! With the taller stance and more athletic look, many people imagine the Olde English Bulldog to be a more “healthy” pick as opposed to the English Bulldog, but the topic of health will always be dependent on the gene pool(parents).

Some today try to “perfect” the Olde English Bulldog by breeding different combinations of dogs; Like a Bulldog with a Mastiff, or a Bulldog and an American Bulldog. The disposition of this breed is described as friendly, capable and confident. This breed is not recognized by the AKC so their are no “papers” accompanied with the purchase of this dog.

The American Bulldog

American Bulldog

Here’s a dog, because of his patriotic themed name; you might instantly picture in your mind’s eye to be standing on an Army base in our nation’s capitol, valiantly saluting the flag as it’s being raised up the pole. This variation of the Bulldog is a well built and strong specimen. He is capable of jumping vertically up to 7 feet into the air and due to his strength he does possess a great deal of pride. Generally, he is a mostly white dog with red or brindle patches miscellaneously placed on his body. These dogs are quite long, lean and tall especially in direct comparison to the English Bulldog.

Don’t look for any similarities between the American and the English Bulldog; you won’t find many. The American Bulldog has a long snout used for sniffing out vermin and sporting game. Typically this breed weighs 60-120 pounds. He was originally bred as a working/hunting dog and nearly went extinct by the time World War II rolled around. This breed is often mistaken for an American Pit-Bull Terrier like the one featured in the old “Our Gang” television series. Be sure to train him well and let him socialize with children as a puppy to help ensure he makes a good family pet.

See The Difference?

Hopefully this post was informitive and entertaining all while helping you, the reader, to better understand the differences between Mini Bulldogs, Olde English Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, French Bulldogs and American Bulldogs. Please let me know what you think about the different breeds discussed. What are some common misconceptions you had before reading this article? I want to know if you agree or disagree. Comment Below. If you’ve still got questions about the differences in the breeds, please click over to our English Bulldog Q&A.

51 Responses to English, Mini, Olde – What’s The Difference?

DDOctober 9, 2016

We are adding an IOEBA reg olde english bulldogge to our family. I have been researching the regeristration IOEBA and there’s a lot of negative feedback. Alot of people are saying that they paper mix breeds. I read how the best olde english bulldogge is the David Leavitt (think that’s spelt right)breeding. Anyone know more about IOEBA?!? I understand this David had recreated the olde English bulldogge in 1970. I’m just wandering is this IOEBA a legit type of regeristration..

I recently purchased a 13 week old puppy that was supposed to be an English but I am starting to doubt myself. Mine is stocky in front, narrower in rear gonna be long legged and only has wrinles on his head and a little on his neck. Parents and he are UKC registered. If he was olde english instead of english would ukc not recognize this in paperwork. And did i get ripped off if he is olde instead of english as far as rebreeding later on?

I have and love Olde English Bulldogges. I cannot know for sure (becasue I cannot see it) if what you have is an OEBD – but it definitely does not sound anything like an (AKC) English Bulldog. He does however sound pretty strikingly like an Olde English Bulldogge. (except if he’s worth anything you should have gotten OEBD papers along with or instead of the UKC papers)… Please dont dislike him because he’s not English… those English Bulldogs are nice – but they are very short lived – and they have lots of health problems – skin, eyes, breeding, lungs, heart… just about everything… very short lifespan in most cases.
The Olde English Bulldogge however, my last one lived to be 14, have very few health issues, are much more athletic and yet are sweet and need much less exercise than many other athletic type dogs.

I have an AKC pure bread beautiful English Bull dog and to the and would like to say he has non of the issues the man eagerly announced Englisgbul have, l am proud to say no skin issues no allergies nothing.. feed them grain free food and the issues are illiminated, I have nothing against Old English Bulldogs they are beautiful. Hop to be my next furbaby.. please don’t bread bash

Yes and some people need to check them self those AKC papers simply say bulldog buy one if you want to clean wrinkles and tail pockets all day long for someone to imply they were ripped you should have done your homework olde English bulldogge is a great breed

I currently have a 6 month old frenchie and looking to get her a companion. Was hoping to get another frenchie but finding one in my budget right now is tough. I have however found a English bulldog breeder that I’m interested in. Does anyone have an opinion on having a frenchie and English? Thank you!

I had my Frenchie for 2 years when I brought home Tank, my bulldog. They lived in total bliss until Tankie passed away at the young age of 4 from a congenital heart defect that was not discovered until he was 3. Tankie was given a new heart valve and it was working but his heart was just too damaged and he did not make it through the first night. I then discovered that my Frenchie had become deaf–sometime in the 4 years I had Tank. Tank was his ears and I did not have a clue-nor did our vet. After a few months I brought home an Old English Bulldog (supposedly healthier breed???)and it DID take the Frenchie a bit of time to accept him but they are now very attached. I will say that both bulldogs are/were more attached to the Frenchie than the other way around. Their weights are 30 and 70 and you guessed it; the Frenchie calls all of the shots! He can back his big brother into a corner so fast if he has had enough wrestling and playing. So-long answer-my experience is that they are WONDERFUL companions!

Finally a clear description of each type of bulldog that allows me to know which is which. I also didn’t know an Olde English Bulldog was different from an English Bulldog or that an English Bulldog was really called a British Bulldog by the AKC. So many sites and books contradict each other or don’t know all the types and the AKC is too narrow-minded to cover them all. I think the AKC needs listings for developing breeds. As a rescuer who monitors online to keep free dogs from ending up as fight dogs, I’m a bit skeptical if even some dog sellers know what puppy it is they are “rehoming”.

AKC will not recognize any other association. AKC also does not recognize cross breeding, which means they only recognize pure bred dogs that are AKC registered. We experienced this with our English Mastiffs.

I have a 6 month old English bully and me and my family couldn’t imagine our lives without Lelo. I’ve read all the posts and as far as I’m concerned if it’s a type of bully then it’s probably wonderful!!

I have a 3 yr American Bulldog/old English mix girl named Bristol and 1 year old English boy named Dover and they are the best companions ever! Bully’s are amazing animals! I want to adopt every one I see. This was good accurate information.

Hi,
Just wanted to clarify on the American Bulldog.From my research i found the American Bulldog was originally named The American Pit Bulldog. “It was intended to be a catch/hunting dog.2nd,intended to be property/livestock protection dog.Probably was used as a fighting dog. The majority of these dogs in days gone by were bred for farm and ranch work first,while a small proportion were used as dog fighters,but this use is definitely part of this breed’s history.” This excerpt was taken from the book GLADIATOR DOGS by Dr.Carl Semencic

There is a difference between American Pit bulls and American Bulldogs. Pits have a square like jaw line and a longer muzzle. The American Bulldog has two separate types, the Standard and the Johnson. The Standard has a bit longer muzzle and seems to be a bit taller. (Example: Chance in the movie Homeward Bound the Incredible Journey.) The Johnson is considerably shorter but taller than an Older English. The have a shorter (Bulldog style) muzzle and wrinkles on their nose (but not deep folds).
Absolutely adore my Johnson Bulldog. Great personality. Loves to play Frisbee. Is currently grounded because she tore her ACL. Vet said due to their muscularity, if very active, not an uncommon injury. She’s going thru Frisbee withdrawal! They are great dogs for active families. English Bulldogs can be lazy. I believe stubbornness is a bulldog trait across the board.

I use too have a Johnson bulldog named ruger was a awesome boy! He weighed 135 solid muscle, scared of storms would try to sit in my lap lol. We now have a olde English bulldogge max quieter then the Johnson bulldog but awesome dog he is only 7 months and is around 75 pounds

I’m doing research. I’ve always wanted a British Bulldog. I guess it comes with being a MS STATE fan. Anyway, I’m going to meet a Olde English Bulldog who is a rescue. I could spot the deference right away in the two breeds and wanted to know more. The more I read about the Olde English the more I like. I was hoping for a bit smaller dog but the fact that they aren’t as sickly and can be more active speaks volumes. I think he will be a good fit for my family with kids.

I have a 2 year old English and a 1 year old Olde English. The English is AKC registered but the other is registered with IOEB as AKC won’t recognize them yet. They used to be recognized many moons ago but fell off the registry and apparently takes many years and/or many breed dogs to be accepted into registry. Hasn’t happened yet. As far as the article is in describing my Olde English, it was very accurate. So was the reader who commented that he Oldey is like having a kid with ADHD. Haha. That’s just like mine. But mine is super healthy whereas my other Bullie, has allergies, ear issues and had cherry eye.
Regardless, love them both.
But to the writer, both my boys came with papers as they are both purebred. I only registered them separately which is all good.

Well i understand so much more now i recently rescued a olde english bulldogge I wanted a good go everywhere and spoil rotten but yet a little lazy my husband said they are the best and are lazy and laid back. Oh heck no he is like a ADHD kid for real very sweet but different lots of Different traits very help full. I need to see if he can be registered with akc.

As of November 2015 old english bulldogs are not recognized by akc. Instead of believing something you read on some other misinformed website you should actually check akc.com as that will provide you with the most accurate answer.

I’m trying to decide between getting an English Bulldog or Olde English Bulldog. I generally prefer large athletic dogs but are also big couch potatoes. My husband wants one that’s low maintenance and doesn’t require daily runs/walks. But we also have a 3 and 4 yr old that love animals and get pretty rough with dogs.

I just wanted to say, I agree with you whole heartedly!! I have had my mini for just about a year and have never met a more playful good natured dog in my life (although I think he was old English crossed with a Mexican jumping bean and not a pug..lol) I would only add that though it may not be the same for all crosses of these two breeds it definitely has the energy of the old bull and the “character” of the pug.. Kind of like a UBER-pug. Training may be difficult but you’ll always have lots of fun trying!

Yes Dan, Chowder is an English (or British) Bulldog. I fell in love the first time I met him. He’s so lovable, affectionate, and protective. I couldn’t imagine my life without him. He has brought so much joy to our lives. If I’m having a bad day, once I come through that front door, Chowder is there to greet me, jumping up and giving me one of his hugs, running around and shaking his nub like a salt shaker….LOL! He makes me laugh, and fills me with joy and laughter. AMAZING dog!

I have an olde english bulldogge she has papers I would love to send you a pic. That is not true what you said about them they are recognized and they are excellent healthy smart dogs. Sorry but your dogs do not compare to my Maggie.

Ashley the Olde English Bulldog is recognized by the OEBA(old English bulldog association). When I said he is not able to be registered, I meant he could not be registered with the AKC(American kennel club).

You are full of yourself your so called English bulldog check them papers honey it says bulldog the real English dog is extinct and he looked nothing like your so called English bulldog and going around calling someones dog a mutt you are the mutt which ever a person chooses they love there.dog

I just read the article about the difference between “Bullies” I must say it is very accurate, except for the weight of my mini! My daughters came home with a “mini English Bulldog” a year and a half ago. Let me first tell you he is the sunshine in my day. This breed is the most loveable with the best personality disposition and companionship of any breed that I have ever owned. {and I have had my fair share of dogs throughout the years} He is a mix of Pug & English Bulldog. A designer dog as they are called, the puppy store said he would be about 20lbs to my unknowing young daughters, and he is 58 strong muscular, loveable pounds! So, to the people thinking about this breed, I would absolutely recommend it to you. I love my “Mini Bully”

Can’t believe a breeder can just basically breed whatever dogs they want and call them a miniature bulldog. when i searched for info on minis i found this article and needless to say was surprised. so weird. but i guess as long as the breeder is honest about how they bred the mini bulldog its not exactly a “bad” practice. I was leaning toward gettin a mini bulldog but now am not so sure.

They are not just breeding any dog to get and old English and they are registered though CkC , IOEBA as well as a couple others the breed is being redeveloped to go back to the original which was breed into the pug by royalty in England they are healthier stronger and free breeders and weepers. Life expectancy is 10-12 years check on life expectancy of the English and its health issues.

Remember all dogs are breed to meet a standard but all are mixed till the approved look is found and its grates accepted then they stay in a tight breeding group that all has the same traits read about how long it takes to develope a breed and all its pros and cons before you buy an animal.

If the original “pure” bulldog genes , untampered are extinct, doesn’t that mean all bulldog like dogs are just mutts anyway. Recognized or not, they are all just mixes of other dogs. Who’s to say I have a real bulldog. Ironically the dog that most closely resembles the true 19th century bulldog is the one the akc does not recognize, the Olde English Bulldog. Granted the same as all the other bulldogs, mutts a combination of several other dogs. Really nice mutts that I have and love. They brighten my day every day!! If you go back far enough the “real bulldog” itself was just a mutt of many other species not even genetically set onto it’s own.